Lithgow No.1 MkIII* SMLE – .303 British (1944 Manufacture)

A rifle steeped in history, this Lithgow No.1 MkIII Short Magazine Lee-Enfield* stands as a testament to Australia’s wartime arms production. Manufactured in 1944, at the height of the Second World War, this rifle bears the unmistakable ‘OA’ factory marking of Rifle Factory No.3 at Orange, New South Wales—a facility built to supplement the famed Lithgow Small Arms Factory during peak wartime demand.

Stamped with serial F32324 on the receiver ring and barrel knox form, this rifle remains a fully matching example, a rare and desirable trait among collectors of service rifles.

A True Wartime MkIII*

This example is correctly configured as the simplified MkIII* pattern—wartime expediency embodied in steel and wood:

• No magazine cut-off

• No long range volley sights

• No windage adjustment on the rear sight

• No butt disk

Every detail reflects the hard realities of total war production, where speed and efficiency were paramount.

Character & Condition

Despite carrying the scars of service, this rifle retains fantastic working condition. The stock and furniture display numerous minor dings, marks, and rich patina—each a whisper from its journey through history. These imperfections are not flaws, but authentic signatures of a battle rifle built for war and carried in earnest.

Accompanying the rifle is a period-correct cleaning kit, including a brass oil bottle and rope pull-through cleaner—rare survivals that complete its presentation and enhance its collector value.

Specifications

• Caliber: .303 British

• Year of Manufacture: 1944

• Factory: Rifle Factory No.3, Orange (OA Marked)

• Model: Lithgow No.1 MkIII*

• Condition: Very Good functional order, patinated with character; matching serials

A Collector’s Rifle

The SMLE is more than just a rifle—it is an icon. Carried by ANZAC forces through both World Wars, Korea, and beyond, it has become synonymous with endurance, reliability, and national history. This 1944 Lithgow example, complete with matching numbers and factory markings, represents a rare opportunity to acquire not just a firearm, but a piece of Australia’s wartime story.

For the discerning collector, it offers both historical gravitas and functional integrity—a rifle to admire, preserve, and, if desired, to continue firing as it was built to do eight decades ago.